How we measure our environmental impact

With more and more companies trying to appeal to sustainably-minded costumers, ‘carbon saving’ has become quite a buzzword. Whilst carbon foot-printing figures can be a really insightful way for consumers to know the environmental impact of the brands they consume, the reliability of these statistics diminishes as soon as companies cloud them in mystery.

The truth is that there currently isn’t a standardised way for businesses to measure their environmental impact. This means that they are allowed to pick and choose different methods of calculating their carbon savings based on what will make them look the best. And some just make it up based on what other people are saying. This is so unhelpful for people trying to understand how to have the most impact in the way they live their lives.

At thelittleloop, we believe in 100% transparency, 100% of the time. With that in mind, we wanted to share with you some more information on how we measure our environmental impact. We’ve spent a lot time coming up with a methodology which we believe is as accurate as we can possibly be.

Our calculations summarised:

Our Data:

Our calculations take into account a host of factors involved in CO2e emissions. This includes processes such as distribution, washing, and even material wasted during a garment’s production. We’ve used data from the Waste & Resources Action Programme (all cited below) as well as data we’ve collect from the actual habits of our customers. Our calculations are fluid; meaning that they adapt to changes in behaviour and practices.

We use our data not only to promote the benefits of renting to consumers, but also to feedback to our partner brands on the impact their clothes are actually having. This calculation is based on the amount of times their garments were able to be rented and can be used by brands to make positive changes to improve the durability (and therefore sustainability) of their collections.

List of key sources:

WRAP, Sustainable Clothing; a practical guide to enhancing clothing durability and quality (2017)

WRAP, Valuing Our Clothes: the cost of UK fashion (2017)

WRAP, Valuing our Clothes; the true cost of how we design, use and dispose of clothing in the UK (2012)

WRAP, Evaluating the financial viability and resource implications for new business models in the clothing sector (2011-2012)

Ellen MacArthur Foundation Report, A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future (2017)